Opponents of New York's controversial SAFE Act rallied Saturday, occasionally targeting the gun control law while also spiraling into other topics ranging from the need for improved veteran services to genetically modified foods.

In an event reflective of a growing libertarian strain within America's politics, speaker after speaker assailed what was portrayed as a weakening of individual liberties that has swelled to a weakening of the United States.

More than 150 people gathered at the rally at Cobbs Hill Park, hearing speakers that included business people, political candidates, and, of course, gun owners.

The major political parties were both under siege, as even New York legislators who opposed passage of the SAFE Act were lambasted for not doing enough to derail the laws. Those lawmakers hope their lack of action goes unnoticed, said Gia Arnold, a Republican from Holley seeking the 62nd district state Senate seat being vacated by Republican George Maziarz.

"They count on us ... in our apathy, in our busy lives, so they can defend themselves and hide in the shadows," she said.

Arnold has been a consistent and vocal opponent of the SAFE Act, which banned some firearms with assault-style features and limited the number of rounds that could be held in a magazine. Other gun rights activists shared the same antipathy Saturday, while also detouring into other issues of high and not-so-high profile.

The national debt received many thumbs down; gay marriage, from some, a thumbs up; processed foods, a thumbs down; and President Barack Obama, multiple thumbs down.

"I've been a Republican for 42 years," said Michael McDermott, a Long Island resident hoping to secure a gubernatorial ballot spot as a Libertarian. "I tell you the truth, after the SAFE Act passage I felt like the Republican Party left me."

McDermott encouraged the crowds to sign petitions to ensure he'll be on the ballot in November. "All we're talking about for us is to get on the ballot and let the people decide."

McDermott, like others, contended that the SAFE Act is an unconstitutional assault on the Second Amendment right to bear arms. That question will likely be decided by the courts. A federal judge has ruled most of the act constitutional, while also overturning the law's seven-round limit.

"I have a lot of guns," McDermott said. "They're all in Florida right now, because if I brought them up here I'd be arrested."

One piece of government intervention the Libertarian candidate did support is better labeling of genetically modified foods, an issue almost as controversial in some circles as gun control.

Paul Butterfield, an Ontario, Wayne County, resident, drove from his home to stand as an opponent of the SAFE Act. His neighborhood is dotted with Repeal SAFE Act signs, he said.

"I've been a vocal opponent of gun control for 20 years," he said. " ... I think the SAFE Act is kind of a tipping point."

Shaping opposition into a powerful political force can be difficult, Butterfield acknowledged. But those at the rally, he said, are a small sample of a growing mindset.

"I see a small but dedicated group for whom freedom really matters," he said.